New MFB chief Dan Stephens tells Neil Mitchell how he plans to win over the union

The new chief of the MFB says his strategic priority is to improve relations with the union, and will start that process with a meeting next week.

The decision to poach Dan Stephens from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service sparked a backlash from the UFU.

It also prompted thinly-veiled threats from firebrand union boss Peter Marshall to Premier Daniel Andrews.

Marshall labelled Mr Stephens a “union-buster”.

And also that he exercises for 1.5 hours each day, six days a week 😨 at 4.30am. That is commitment #fitspo https://t.co/gj9VawQAMz

— Danielle Galvin (@danigalvin88) June 1, 2018

But Mr Stephens, speaking with 3AW’s Neil Mitchell, said that’s not the case.

“First and foremost I treat my colleagues in representative bodies with they respect they deserve,” he said.

“They represent firefighters’ interests and, ultimately Neil, I am a firefighter.”

Click PLAY for the full interview